How to check references for a roommate
Ask for a former roommate or landlord, not only a close friend. Confirm how they know the applicant and when they lived together. Keep the conversation short and respectful.
Ask whether rent was paid on time, shared spaces were treated reasonably, and communication was workable when a problem came up. Ask whether they would live with the person again. Let pauses and vague answers count as information, but not proof of wrongdoing.
Offer to provide a reference yourself. References are one part of a fair screening process, alongside meeting, lease clarity, and a conversation about expectations.
Do not request more private information than the living arrangement requires.